EDF Energy increases prices for winter

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EDF Energy has announced it is to increase its gas and electricity prices by 11% with effect from 7 December 2012, following price rises from a number of other high profile providers.

As temperatures across the UK are expected to plunge to below 5 degrees this weekend, news of yet another price hike will come as a further blow for millions of households, already struggling to keep their head above water with high energy costs.

According to EDF Energy, more than one million existing customers with fixed accounts will not be affected by the increase.

Mark Todd, director of independent price comparison site Energyhelpline.com, said: "This is the biggest price rise so far, and that's what will worry consumers the most.

"With an 11% price increase this year, following last year's increase of 15.8% on gas and 4.5% on electricity, even factoring in the price drop of last February, EDF's customers have seen their bills rise by 20% in around a year.

"This amounts to an increase of more than £200 in just over a year for a typical dual fuel customer.

"The energy price rise domino effect is in full swing, and we expect E.ON to make their announcement soon for price increases in the New Year. Customers should turn their anger into action, switch now, save money and show that they will not take price rises lying down. Now really is the last chance saloon for securing a low cost fixed deal."

In partnership with Energyhelpline.com, we've brought together the cheapest gas and electricity deals you could switch to today.

Matches the cheapest standard Dual fuel direct debit tariff prices of the major suppliers at average consumption. Continually checks and amends the prices within 6 weeks of a price change to match the prices of the cheapest standard rates of the major suppliers.

There is a £20 per fuel cancellation penalty if you leave this tariff before the contract end date of 31/01/2014.

* Average savings are based on average dual fuel tariff costing £1,392 (Source: energyhelpline, 26/10/12). All calculations are for an average usage dual fuel household paying by monthly direct debit. Average usage as defined by OFGEM is 16,500 kWh pa of gas and 3,300 kWh pa of electricity.

6 of the of the cheapest fixed gas and electricity prices available now:

* Average savings are based on average dual fuel tariff costing £1,392 (Source: energyhelpline, 26/10/12). All calculations are for an average usage dual fuel household paying by monthly direct debit. Average usage as defined by OFGEM is 16,500 kWh pa of gas and 3,300 kWh pa of electricity.